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Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting classic dish made with gluten-free pasta. The mac and cheese is enriched with a homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses, and topped with a buttery gluten-free cracker crumb topping for an irresistible crunchy finish. It’s perfect for those seeking a delicious gluten-free comfort food option, baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

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Pasta

  • 1 pound gluten-free elbows macaroni (or cavatappi pasta, cooked per box directions, al dente)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup white Colby cheese (or mozzarella), freshly grated
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Buttery Cracker Topping (Optional)

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed into crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup white Colby cheese (or mozzarella), freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese casserole.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
  3. Cook Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under hot water. Toss the cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large bowl and set aside.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: Place a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt it completely.
  5. Whisk Flour: Add gluten-free all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously until fully combined to form a roux.
  6. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in 5 cups of milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
  7. Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  8. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat and then simmer gently for about 2 minutes, stirring often until thickened.
  9. Add Sour Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully incorporated, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup white Colby cheese, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the sauce.
  12. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  13. Prepare Buttery Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups gluten-free buttery cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  14. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup white Colby cheese, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  15. Add Cracker Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture over the cheese layer on top.
  16. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly around the edges.
  17. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for best melting results and flavor.
  • The sour cream adds creaminess and tang but can be omitted if desired.
  • The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; reduce or omit for a milder dish.
  • Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
  • Gluten-free buttery crackers can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.

Keywords: gluten free mac and cheese, gluten free pasta recipe, baked mac and cheese, gluten free comfort food, cheesy casserole, gluten free dinner

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/best-gluten-free-mac-and-cheese-recipe/